Tensions flared during a Pirates vs. Cardinals game after a borderline 2-1 pitch sparked the first mask-era argument between a manager and an umpire. Pirates manager Derek Shelton confronted one of the league’s tallest umpires over what seemed like a quick ejection of pitcher Derek Holland, who yelled from the player tent after a call. Holland didn’t say anything particularly harsh, just voiced frustration, but the ump didn’t like it and tossed him. Holland walked off without much fuss, even joking that the clubhouse would be more comfortable.
Shelton came out to defend his player, pointing out that Holland wasn’t even in the dugout and asking the umpire to lighten up. Cardinals manager Mike Shildt briefly joined the conversation but distracted everyone with a broken mask he struggled to secure, eventually going for the awkward “hold one side with your hand” method. Shelton mimicked his mask movement in a sarcastic sign of solidarity, and both skippers ended up pulling masks on and off mid-argument. It became more of a mask malfunction comedy than a serious confrontation.
Cole Tucker and others in the player section couldn’t stop laughing as the whole thing unraveled. It ended without any more ejections, though the ump took the argument further than needed. Holland’s initial comment was mild, and Shelton seemed more annoyed at the overreaction than anything. In a season already strange enough, this was just another awkward chapter.